York Festival of Fairtrade

22 February - 7 March 2010

Established

2006 saw York's first ever Festival of Fairtrade.

What is Fairtrade?

Fairtrade ensures that producers in developing countries are paid a fair price for the goods that they produce.

Fairtrade groups, as well as guaranteeing a steady price, also pay producers a premium and establish long term trading relationships. This can save the producers from bankruptcy and homelessness and enables them to afford to send their children to school, buy medicines and contribute financially to community projects.

Fairtrade benefits some of the World's poorest countries. It offers a long term solution & a way out of poverty.

Why York?

York has a long & proud history of campaigning alongside the World's poor.

York is a Fairtrade City.  Fairtrade City status recognises the following achievements :

1. City of York Council has passed a unanimous motion supporting Fairtrade.
2. Fairtrade products are available from more than 41 shops and 34 cafes and restaurants in York.
3. Fairtrade products are used by over 50 workplaces & community organisations.
4. There is regular media coverage & widespread popular support for York as a Fairtrade City.
5. There is a Fairtrade City steering group to ensure that commitments to Fairtrade are continued.

There is also a very active pressure group, the York Fair Trade Forum.

Main Events

The York Festival of Fairtrade 2010 will run from 22nd February to 7th March
 
The highlight of the Festival of Fairtrade is the Fair Trade Market which will take place from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th of March in Parliament Street. It will be a marvellous opportunity to experience the amazing quality and variety of fair trade goods that are available, including food and drink, handicrafts, clothing, bags and fashion accessories. From traditional Inca crafts to Himalayan clothing - it‘s all there at the market and, remember, fair trade guarantees a fair price for the producer. Alongside the market on the Saturday there will be an exciting entertainment programme on Saturday 6th including latin music, dancing, drumming and singing. Come along and join in the fun.
 

Festival Programme

Fantastic speaker events.  Free of charge.  Everyone welcome.

An evening with Hugo Villela from Costa Rica
Hear Hugo's fascinating insight into Fair Trade in Central America
Including music & a short film
Tuesday 2nd March 7.15pm in City Screen Basement Bar

Go bananas for Fairtrade
Come hear banana farmer, Nioka Abbott from the Windward Islands.
Find out how Fairtrade has helped farmers take on competition from giant corporations and win against all the odds.
Friday 5th March 7.30pm at York St. John University, Lecture Theatre DG/017 De Grey Court

Events Listing

Maryam Bibi
Saturday 20th February 1.45pm at St. Olave's Church Hall, Marygate Lane.
Meet and talk with Maryam Bibi, founder of Kwendo Kor, which works with women and girls in NW. Pakistan.  Preceded by bring & share lunch at 12.30.  Presented by York One World Linking Association ( YOWLA).

"How Fair Is Fairtrade?" - A Panel Debate.
Monday March 1st, 7.30pm at the University of York campus.  e-mail peopleandplanet@yusu.org for location of event.Free entry. Open to members of the public and students alike.
Chaired by People & Planet, York.

An evening with Hugo Villela from Costa Rica
Tuesday 2nd March 7.15pm in City Screen Basement Bar, Coney Street. York Fair Trade Forum and Shared Interest present an evening with Hugo Villela, featuring a short film and music.
The event is free of charge - all are welcome.  Bar available.

Human Rights in Kenya
Thursday 4th March 7.30pm at York St. John University, Room 037 Skell Building.
Two human rights activists talk about the challenges and dangers facing those who dare to speak out and strive for change in Kenya.  They are the visiting fellows at the Centre for Applied Human Rights, University of York: Rahab Maina & Njoroge Njenga.

York Fair Trade Market
Friday 5th, Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th March
Parliament Street, 9.30am - 4.30pm each day

The Festival of Fairtrade reaches a crescendo with the annual Fair Trade Market.  This is a great opportunity to experience the fantastic quality and variety of Fair Trade goods, including food and drink, crafts, clothing, jewellery and fashion accessories.  From African crafts to Himalyan clothing - you'll find the perfect gift, or that special treat for yourself, at the market.

Go bananas for Fairtrade
Friday 5th March 7.30pm at York St. John University, Lecture Theatre DG/017 De Grey Court. Come hear banana farmer, Nioka Abbott from the Windward Islands.

York Fairtrade City Celebration
Saturday 6th March, 11am - 4pm, St. Sampson's Square
Come help us celebrate the renewal of York's Fairtrade City status - going from strength to strength. Free entertainment including Blackbeards Tea Party, Saxofun and the fabulous York Samba.

Also visit the Fair Trade information stall on Saturday 6th at the Fair Trade Market.  Leaflets to take away & other goodies.  Meet Nioka, Fairtrade banana farmer from the Windward Islands, at the stall at 10am. 

Ghana Party
Saturday 6th March, 7pm, Park Grove Primary School. York Fanteakwa Community Link is 10 years old
Celebrate with Transglobal drummers, Chechelele and enjoy Ghanaian food.
Tickets £5 adult, 2.50 child including food & drink. To book email tricia dot castle at talktalk dot net

The Big Brew

A warm welcome and a Fairtrade cuppa

A third of all churches in the York area have registered with the Fairtrade Foundation or have taken part in the Big Brew.  Look out for events at a church near you. 

Fringe Festival

Many other events to promote Fair Trade take place during the Festival.  York schools will be holding special lessons & assemblies & community activities will be taking place across York's suburbs and villages as well as in the City Centre.  Look out for events near you.

Live & Love York
Look out for the launch of this exciting new magazine during the Festival.  It will be available from many venues across the city & will highlight community events & activities.